It’s not often you come across a charming restaurant, in a spectacular spot, and one that’s not a tourist trap. Luckily, this is one of the exceptions from the rule, at least for me!
El Huerto de Juan Ranas sits just below the most popular photo spot in Granada – Mirador St Nicolas – but unlike the view point, you won’t have to use your elbows to get into the prime spot to take a single photo.
The restaurant stretches over a number of terraces, each offering spectacular views of the Alhambra and just behind it the breath-taking and snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountain range. During my visit, the lower floors which offered even better views were not open (this is just shortly after Granada was open following covid closures), but we managed to sneak in for a quick bite just before sunset and without a reservation.
The restaurant is very popular – as you would expect – and tables are changing fast. People come here mostly for a few drinks and a quick photo to their travel collection, only a few stay for a meal with the whole family. Without much of a thought we ordered some food for a very early dinner, and to my surprise the food was spectacular.
Yes, it is more expensive than other places in Granada, but views and location usually come with a price tag. The service in the restaurant was very professional and everything seemed to have been running like clockwork – it’s very obvious they are used to catering a lot of people. When I asked if we could change tables to a better location, the waiter didn’t hesitate for a second to move us around.
The fact that the restaurant was pretty much packed did not take much away from the experience as there was plenty of space between the tables, and each could enjoy the views.
This was my last meal in Granada and what a way to end the trip – and I can’t believe I almost missed this place!
If you’re looking for something truly spectacular that delivers on both location & food, this is the place the be.
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